Memorial Sloan Kettering Highlights Patient-Centered Oncology with Profiles of Dr. Jessica Ross and Dr. Joshua Drago
Key Insights
Dr. Jessica Ross, a thoracic oncologist and early drug development specialist at MSK, focuses on small-cell lung cancer (search) and neuroendocrine tumors (search) while leading clinical trials for new therapies.
Dr. Joshua Drago, a breast medical oncologist at MSK, treats all breast cancer (search) types and researches personalized treatment strategies designed to minimize side effects.
Both physicians emphasize patient-centered care, with Dr. Ross highlighting the importance of listening and Dr. Drago focusing on shared decision-making tailored to patient goals.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has introduced two of its oncology specialists through detailed physician profiles, highlighting the institution's dual commitment to innovative cancer research and deeply personalized patient care. The profiles feature Dr. Jessica Ross, a thoracic medical oncologist and early drug development specialist, and Dr. Joshua Drago, a breast medical oncologist, both of whom bring distinct clinical and research expertise to their respective fields.
Dr. Jessica Ross: Advancing Therapies in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors
Dr. Jessica Ross serves as a thoracic oncologist and early drug development specialist at MSK, with a clinical focus on small-cell lung cancer (search) and neuroendocrine tumors (search). She describes these malignancies as "complex" cancers that "often require highly personalized treatment plans."
Her work extends beyond direct patient care into the realm of therapeutic innovation. Dr. Ross leads several clinical trials and is actively engaged in developing new therapies for patients with lung cancer and other types of cancer. This dual role places her at the intersection of clinical practice and translational research, where insights from the bedside can directly inform drug development efforts.
Dr. Ross's path to oncology was shaped by personal experience. "As a child, I was diagnosed with lymphoma (search), a type of blood cancer," she recounts. "The oncologist who treated me was both brilliant and empathetic, and she inspired me to pursue the field of medicine." This formative experience informs her approach to patient interactions. "I've always believed that listening carefully is one of the most important parts of being a good doctor," Dr. Ross states. "I want you to feel comfortable bringing up anything that's on your mind, so we get all of your questions answered."
Dr. Joshua Drago: Personalized Breast Cancer Care and Cutting-Edge Research
Dr. Joshua Drago is a breast cancer (search) medical oncologist at MSK who treats patients across all types of breast cancer. In parallel with his clinical responsibilities, he conducts research focused on "understanding how cancer cells behave, and developing personalized treatment strategies for patients."
A central tenet of Dr. Drago's research philosophy is designing "therapies that are not only effective, but also designed to minimize side effects." He emphasizes his commitment to translational impact, noting, "I always make sure to bring the most cutting-edge developments to my patients and provide the highest level of care possible."
Dr. Drago's patient engagement philosophy centers on shared decision-making. Acknowledging the weight of a breast cancer (search) diagnosis, he states, "I know you're facing a lot of important decisions about your diagnosis and your treatment, but you're not facing them alone. Together, we'll discuss your options and pick a path forward that's shaped by your goals and priorities and tailored to your specific needs." His overarching objective, he explains, is for "everyone to leave their visits feeling heard, empowered, and confident in your treatment plan."
A Shared Vision for Patient-Centered Oncology
Both physician profiles reflect MSK's broader institutional emphasis on combining rigorous scientific investigation with compassionate, individualized care. Dr. Ross articulates this ethos succinctly: "I'm here to help you find a path forward, just as my oncologist did for me." Across tumor types and treatment modalities, the profiles underscore a model of oncology in which clinical trial leadership, drug development, and attentive patient communication are integrated components of a unified care philosophy.